Expatriates want to stay in UAE

A new study suggests a large majority of expatriates would rather continue living in the UAE than return to their countries of origin.

The UAE ranked fifth among a list of 26 countries considered popular among expatriates in terms of salaries.

A large majority of expatriates would rather continue living in the UAE, in spite of the global recession, than return to their countries of origin, a new study suggests. Eighty-two per cent respondents in the Expat Explorer study said they had no plans of moving back home, while most had continued saving money in spite of dour economic conditions. "Despite the downturn, UAE expats continue to enjoy a good standard of life and are able to continue to save, which [is] a great advantage in the current economic climate," said Paul Say, head of marketing and communications for HSBC Bank International, which conducted the three-part study. The paper, which was released today, surveyed 3,100 expatriates across 50 countries and found that expatriates in the UAE generally had more disposable income left over every month than those living in other countries. More than 80 per cent of respondents said they were able to save more after moving to the UAE as compared to their home country.

The UAE ranked fifth among a list of 26 countries considered popular among expatriates in terms of salaries, the ability to save and the amount of disposable income. Russia was placed first, followed by Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong. [e-mail]